Prostitution stings move from street to Internet

by William Hermann - Feb. 15, 2011 12:00 AMThe Arizona Republic

Men answering online prostitution ads are increasingly finding that the "prostitute" carries a badge and that the whole enterprise is a sting much like one that recently snared grocery-store magnate Michael Gilliland.

Phoenix police are using a variety of investigative techniques, including using online advertising, in their efforts to stop child prostitution, spokesman Sgt. Steve Martos said.

"Last week's investigation was of this sort and netted eight arrests, one of them Mr. Gilliland," Martos said.

Police say Gilliland, 52, offered $100 for sex to a female who had twice told him she was 17. He was arrested Thursday.

Previously, police did most prostitution stings on the streets. With the advent of the Internet and the ability of prostitutes to advertise online, authorities have had to keep up with the times. Now, an online ad with a photo of a man or woman and text thinly disguising the offering of sexual favors might have been placed by a police agency.

According to court documents, Phoenix police vice-enforcement officers last week were working an undercover online sting at a hotel in the 9600 block of North Black Canyon Freeway. In the sting, undercover female officers posed as juvenile prostitutes, having advertised on a website carrying scores of ads for "escorts" and "body rubs."

Court documents say that at about 12:30 p.m., Gilliland answered an online ad and spoke with an undercover officer who "told him she was actually 17 years old." The officer "also told Gilliland to bring cigarettes because she was too young to purchase them and the store would not take her fake I.D."

The documents say "a short time later Gilliland arrived at the hotel and had a conversation (with the undercover officer) where he agreed to pay her $100 for sex. (The officer) reconfirmed with him that she was only 17-years-old while in the hotel room as well."

On Friday, Gilliland posted $12,000 bond and was released from jail.

Gilliland, who has a home in Paradise Valley, founded Sunflower Farmers Market grocery chain. Since his arrest, he resigned from his position its chief executive. A company news release said Gilliland has said he believes he is not guilty and expects to be exonerated.

Martos said solicitation of an adult prostitute is a misdemeanor, but soliciting a minor is a Class 2 felony, which can result in a prison sentence of more than two years.